You walk outside one morning to see that your plants have been sawed in half, struck down by cutworms, it is every gardener's nightmare.The nocturnal worms are a part of the caterpillar.They can destroy an entire field by cutting down young plants.Cutworms can be controlled using a few easy tactics that don't require the use of harmful chemicals.See the first step to find out how to do it.
Step 1: The signs of a cutworm are obvious.
Cutworms feed at night so you won't see them during the day.Most gardeners don't know they have a cutworm problem until they see evidence in the morning.There is no way of knowing how many worms are in the garden.It will save your garden if you catch the population before it explodes.Plants cut off near the base of their stems.Plants are damaged.Cutworm droppings.If you overturn the soil with your hands in the vicinity of the damage, you can find cutworms.There are many different colors, including grey, brown, pink, black, and so on.Some have stripes and some have no.
Step 2: Cutworms can be found at night.
Pick off your plants one by one with a flashlight.Put them in a pail of soapy water and throw them away.You should repeat this every few nights until you notice a decline in the cutworm population.Don't forget to check for more cutworms throughout the summer.
Step 3: Plant collars can be made.
Cutworms decapitat your vegetable garden by chewing through the stems.The cutworms have a harder time accessing the stems if barriers are placed around them.Cut 4-inch pieces of cardboard, plastic, or another firm material cut in the shape of a tube to serve as collars for your plants.With the ends removed, you could use cardboard tubes or metal cans.Every stem will need a collar to keep the cutworms away.If you have a large garden with a lot of plants, you may need to combine this method with others.
Step 4: The collars need to be installed around the plant stems.
The collars stand about 3 inches high if you push them into the soil.The cutworms will not be able to climb the surface of the cardboard and metal.If you cut out the collars from cardboard or plastic, make sure the seam is taped so that there is no gap for cutworms to crawl in.
Step 5: Remove the stems of the plants.
If you bolster the stems, cutworms won't be able to eat through them.The straws should be cut to the appropriate lengths.Put the straws over the plant stems by cutting a slit in each piece.Under the surface of the soil, poke the ends.If you want to push the sleeve below the soil, you can wrap each stem with a piece of cardboard, thick paper or aluminum foil.
Step 6: It's a good idea to apply Bacillus thuringiensis in your garden.
This is a bacterium that can be found in garden supply stores.It is a natural way to get rid of cutworms.It should be applied to the soil in the affected area.If you don't want to hurt other types of insects, use a different method.The best time to spray pesticides is in the afternoon.You want the pesticide to be applied when they come to dinner since they feed after dark.If the plants are large enough to be safe from the worms, apply the pesticide after each rain.
Step 7: Try the earth that is made from diatomaceous earth.
There is a natural powder made from ground up fossils that can be sprinkled around the area.It isn't harmful to humans, plants or animals, but it kills insects that walk over it by piercing them.Don't apply this to areas where you want to promote a healthy insect population.If you suspect cutworm activity, apply the powder around the base of the plants.If you want to avoid getting it in your eyes or inhaling it, apply it with a bulb applicator.Ground up eggshells or coffee grounds is an alternative.
Step 8: It's possible to use cornmeal.
Cutworms love to eat cornmeal, but it hurts their digestion.Many will kill themselves if they get too much of it.It's a good idea to sprinkle some in the affected area.Don't get too carried away, you may draw other pests.
Step 9: You can make a molasses treatment.
If you mix molasses with sawdust and wheat bran, you can make a thick paste that can be painted in circles around the plants where cutworms hang out.They will not ruin your plants if they crawl over the molasses mixture.
Step 10: If you can, delay planting for a couple of weeks.
The number and extent of cutworm damage decrease after the initial eating frenzy.Perennial flowers can be planted in a flower garden.It's a good way to prevent cutworm in your vegetable garden.The flowers die off in the fall when adults look for places to lay eggs.Before planting, expose and kill the larvae that wintered in the soil.
Step 11: You should keep your garden clean.
If you want to cut back on the places where moths can lay eggs, you should remove the weeds from your garden.The food that keeps cutworms alive is removed.The grass needs to be kept around the garden.
Step 12: Take care of your garden after harvest.
After harvest, remove all plant debris from the garden to discourage adult moths from laying eggs.The number of people who survive winter hibernation can be reduced by exposing the soil in the fall.Allow chickens to eat in your garden after tilling.Cutworms are present in the soil.
Step 13: The garden should be hospitable to cutworms.
Cutworms can be controlled by keeping your yard animal-friendly, since birds and other animals love to eat them.Encourage the following animals to eat cutworms.